Hundreds come out for ice fishing tournament

Many anglers have called Lake Champlain the mecca of ice fishing, so it’s no surprise that the New York State Ice Fishing Championship is being held there. Veteran anglers said the fishing has been great this year.

Howie Swan of Moriah said, “It’s been good this year. I like to fish. I like the camaraderie.”

John King of Port Henry said, “This lake has been good for the trout fishing, always has been for many, many years.”

More than 250 people participated in the second annual tournament. Anglers from Albany, Saratoga and even Connecticut came out to catch the big fish.

Brian Nephew of Connecticut said, “Makes it more of an event. If you were sitting here alone, it wouldn’t be so fun. We make it a get-together with friends.”

The rules are simple. Fish anywhere on Lake Champlain, either in New York or Vermont. And when you hook a fish, bring it to the weigh-in station and hope no one brings in anything bigger.

Clayton Pollock from Saratoga County hooked a 12-pound lake trout. It will be hard to be that, but many people just come out to have a good time.

Thurman Cross of Moriah said, “Nice ice. Best fishing we’ve had in a long time.”